Motorcycle specifications BMWR 1200 GS 2008 Staying on top

4 years of success and domination, and it's already time to pass the baton... to a new generation? No, to an evolution. Improving the R 1200 GS was quite a challenge for BM's engineers - and they really wanted to raise the level of pretension of this road-going trail bike.

with 5% more power, the 1200 climbs to 105 hp. Optimizing and enhancing the bike's performance was one of the major development priorities for the GS. The increase in power is combined with a revised gearbox and higher engine revs to give the machine extra punch.
If you're going to fiddle with the gearbox, you might as well take advantage of the opportunity to rethink the gearshift. The gearshift has been improved with an optimized effect/stroke ratio.

beneath its newly tickled look (barely retouched optical block, new shoulders in special steel), the chassis boasts few changes, but the importance outweighs the quantity. For the first time on a trail bike, BMW offers an electronically controlled suspension system. This system is none other than the one that appeared on the K 1200 S, the ultra-fast sport-GT of the range. It is obviously adapted to trail use, and is called ESA Enduro. Up to now, the ESA used on the K 1200 S allowed you to adjust the shock absorber settings on the Telelever and Paralever, as well as the rear spring preload - the ESA Enduro also offers electro-hydraulic front spring preload adjustment. It's pretty cool to be able to adapt the suspension to the terrain just by selecting a mode with a button. But don't get your hopes up, the system is an option - it won't be standard tomorrow...

eSA on the BMW R 1200 GS offers the following features:

road modes: at the touch of a button, the rider can choose between three loading states - "alone", "alone with luggage" or "two-up" - marked by corresponding symbols on the information display, with this choice then influencing the rear spring preload setting. Each of the three loading states can be associated with three different damping modes - "Sport", "Normal" and "Comfort". Whichever road mode is selected, the front spring preload,
on the Telelever is set to "Minimum".

off-road modes: for off-road use, the ESA Enduro system offers two spring settings, each of which can be combined with the three different damping laws. The "medium reserve" preload law, identified on the display by the "round hills" symbol, increases front spring preload to 50%, with the rear spring set to the same value. This setting is suitable fors off-road rides at low and high speeds, on terrain that is supposed to be free of stalls, holes and other major asperities. The "maximum reserve" mode, marked by the "pointed hills" symbol, increases spring preload to 100% on both the front and rear units, and is suitable for situations where maximum resistance to bottoming is required. This setting also increases ground clearance by 2 centimetres compared to road modes.

bM takes advantage of this upgrade to improve 2-3 small things. A new handlebar (that of the HP2) adjustable in 2 positions, a fuel gauge with a new sensor for greater precision, a more powerful alternator, and an even longer list of options. The competition was already chomping at the bit to keep up with the GS. Now they're back to the grind. As for the 1200 GS, it proudly continues its long journey.

the main features of the new BMW R 1200 GS :

- Even more dynamic engine, more responsive in the higher rev range.
- Engine power increased by 5%.
- Maximum engine speed increased to 8,000 rpm, with a wider useful rpm range.
- Gearbox ratios and secondary reduction ratios modified for greater punch and acceleration.
- Redesigned six-speed gearbox with larger bearings and optimized kinematics for even more precise gear changes.
- Electronic suspension adjustment via the optional ESA Enduro system, the first application of this type on a trail bike. Further enhancement of agility, touring and off-road capability
thanks to individual spring/damper settings.
- Electro-hydraulic spring preload adjustment on the front and rear units as part of the ESA Enduro system.
- Optimized ergonomics thanks to new, tapered aluminum handlebars combined with new handguards and a redesigned seat.
- Fuel gauge with extended measuring range and new sensor.
- Optimized battery charging and increased alternator power.
- Revitalized look with undeniable enduro attributes.
- Available colors: Titanium Silver Metallic, Dark Slate Grey Metallic Matt, Namibia Orange Plain, Tanzanite Blue Plain.
- Options and accessories tailored to the BMW level you've come to know.

options :

- ESA Enduro.
- BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (partially integral version,
disconnectable).
- RDC (air pressure control system).
- ASC (traction control system).
- Chrome exhaust system.
- Heated grips.
- Additional headlight.
- Optimized support for navigation system.
- Hand guards.
- Luggage holders.
- Cross-spoke wheels.
- Trip computer with oil sight glass.
- Anti-theft alarm with remote control.
Accessories.

for transport :

- Vvario cases.
- Suitcase holders.
- Vario topcase.
- Topcase mountings in place of passenger seat.
- Topcase mounting kit.
- Inner bag for Vario case/topcase.
- Waterproof tank bag.
- Waterproof tank bag, small volume.
- Softbag Sport, large, 51 l.
- Softbag Sport, small, 19 l.
- 53 l duffel bag, waterproof.

for the look:

- Carbon front mudguard.
- Carbon rear mudguard.
- Telelever cover and fork crown.
- BMW plate for fork crown.
- LED turn indicators.

for sound :

- Akrapovic sport muffler.

for ergonomics and comfort :

- Wide enduro footrest.
- Adjustable brake pedal.
- Crossbar reinforcement.
- Shock protection for handlebar cross brace.
- Tinted windshield.
- Low rider seat (820 mm), black.
- Adjustable high rider seat (880/900 mm), black.
- LED for 410 mm power socket.
- Additional power socket.
- Heated grips.

for navigation and communication:

- BMW Motorrad Navigator.
- Holder for BMW Motorrad Navigator.
- Function bag for Navigation.

for safety:

- Hand protectors.
- Large deflector for handguard.
- Aluminum cylinder head cover protector.
- Crankcase guard.
- Small-format cylinder protector.
- Aluminium enduro engine mount.
- Additional headlight (from 03/08).
- Bracket for additional headlight.
- Anti-theft alarm with remote control.
- RDC (inflation pressure control system).

for maintenance and technology:

- Workshop stand.
- On-board tools with maintenance set.
- On-board tools extension kit.
- Safety cap for oil filler neck.
- Rocker cover repair kit.